Death, Metaphysics, and Literature: A Mini-Unit
Day 1: Reader's Workshop: Metaphysics and Literature
1. Read Donne's Meditation
17 and Holy Sonnet 10 silently.
2. Read each again, one at a time, this time taking notes on each to clarify
points and analyze structure. You may work cooperatively if desired.
A. For Meditation 17:
1) Clarify the content of his
paragraphs.
2) Note the structure &
progression of thought.
3) Come to some conclusion as to
tone and intent.
B. For Holy Sonnet 10:
1) Be sure you understand it on a
literal and metaphoric level, phrase by phrase.
REMEMBER: Donne wished
to overcome the inevitable with words, so you must get his words!
2) This is, of course, a
sonnet. As such, it has an analyzable
structure of an octave and a sestet.
Establish the tones and themes contained in each. Is the structure or presentation of argument
effective? Why or why not?
3) Identify the techniques he
uses. Consider comparisons, analogies,
metaphors, similes, personification, diction, and imagery. In doing so, answer the question: How do
these allow Donne to achieve his purpose?
Day 2: Timed Writing: Death
Explore the British
attitudes towards death as reflected in at least two of the following: Beowulf,
medieval chivalry & bravery, Hamlet's musings, and Donne's Meditation 17
& Holy Sonnet 10. To conclude, assert your philosophy or
philosophies on death in comparison to any or all of those four positions. If evaluation is desired, this writing will
be graded with the Writing
About Literature scoring rubric.
Day 3: Reader Response Workshop (may go to Day 4 if
desired)
1. Journal: What is your
overall impression of John Donne's attempt to both explain and defeat
death? Was he successful? Did you like or dislike his approaches in
both Meditation 17 and Holy Sonnet 10. Explain.
2. Class Discussion
a. Examine and discuss Donne's Meditation
17 and Holy Sonnet 10; use notes from Day 1.
b. Explore our philosophies on death. Refer to
yesterday's time writing if desired.
ASSESSMENT: Assessment of this unit is based on
observation. If desired, the teacher may
also evaluate the quality and thoroughness of the notes taken on the
literature.
Final Exam Option: Click on the link if this is your final exam.